When it comes to rivalries, the Rangers versus Islanders is the “Grand Daddy of ’em All”. There’s simply nothing more intense in all of sports on a year in and year out basis.
NY Islanders, geographic rivals
The New York Islanders entered the NHL prior to the 1972-73 season setting embarrassing records for futility and ineptitude in their inaugural season. Meanwhile, the Rangers, under the leadership of Emile “The Cat” Francis, were a bonafide Stanley Cup contender coming off a devastating Finals series loss to Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins one year earlier.
As the decade of the 1970’s progressed, the older Rangers began dismantling their super team, trading and discarding one fan favorite after another while the Islanders used the NHL entry draft to add talent and improve their roster.